NAT. ORDEU. LURID.E. 117 



ovate, acuminated at both ends, sulx-iliatcd ; flowers minute, droo[)- 

 iug ; berry aljout the size of a small cherry, of a pale yellow color 

 This is supposed by some to be the true hacatuni. Native in plan- 

 tations about the Essequibo. Flowers in June and July. 



Propagation and Culture. All the species, with their varieties, 

 are raised from seed ; a small pai'cel, or the produees of two pods, 

 will be a suflicient quantity of each or of any one variety for ordi- 

 nary supply. Sow all the annual sorts at the end of March, or the 

 begimiing or iiiiudle of April, in a moderate hot-bed under a frame. 

 Cover the seed a quarter of an inch deep. When the plants are two 

 or three inches in growth, prick some into a new, moderate hot-bed, 

 to forward them for final ti'ansplantiug ; or in default of this, prick 

 them into a bed of natm'al eai'th, at the beginning of May, if fnie, 

 settled, warm weather ; defend them with a frame or awning of 

 mats at night, or in cold weather. Give water lightly at planting, 

 and occasionally afterwards in moderate supplies, to assist their fresh 

 rooting and subsequent growth. At the beginning of June, when tlie 

 weather is settled warm, transplant them into the open garden, in 

 beds of light, rich earth, from tAvelve to eighteen inches apart, giving 

 water. They will thus advance freely. Flowers in July or August 

 and produces plenty of pods from August till the end of September. 

 Under the deficiency of a hot-bed or stove, or for succession, annual 

 capsicums may be raised in a bed of light, rich earth under a hand- 

 glass ; but the sowing must be deferred till fine, warm weather in 

 May. Give the plants air in the day, but cover them close at night 

 till danger from frost is over. At the close of June transplant as 

 above. The perennial and shrubby species may be wintered in the 

 stove. To save seed, leave one or two of tlie largest and handsom- 

 est shaped pods to ripen in autumn ; after gathering them the best 

 way is to hang them up in a dry place, and not take out the seeds 

 tiU wanted for sowing in Spring. 



The green pods, or inflated berries of all the species, and their 

 varieties, wliich are very numerous, are used medicinally for pick- 



